How To Create Windows Hello Pin

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Windows Hello allows you to unlock your Windows device using biometrics or an authentication token. Before you can use it, you need to set it up.^[1]

1

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2

Choose "Set up" or "Improve recognition" under Face sign-in.
3

Enter in your PIN.
4

Look at the camera. Windows Hello will box your face as it recognizes it. If it is having trouble, then move closer or further away, or adjust the lighting conditions.
5

Improve recognition as needed. Repeat the process again later, if it has trouble recognizing you due to a change in facial features.

1

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2

Choose "Set up" or "Add another" under Fingerprint sign-in.
3

Enter your PIN.
4

Scan your fingerprint. The fingerprint will light up and indicate to you which parts of your fingerprint still needs to be read.
5

Continue scanning your fingerprint.
6

Capture the edges.
7

Add additional fingerprints if necessary.

1

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2

Choose "Set up" or "Add another" under "Security key".
3

Identify the type of key. Some have a button (such as YubiKey). Others use an RFID reader instead (such as a HID card reader).
4

Insert the key into the USB port or tap the key to the NFC reader.
5

Enter your PIN.
6

Press the button on the security key. This will finish programming the security key.
7

Remove the security key when prompted. You can name your security key for later identification.

1

Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices.
2

Tap "add Bluetooth or other device".
3

Choose "Bluetooth".
4

Choose your Bluetooth device. In most cases, pairing only works when you pair from your PC. If you pair from your phone, your phone may give an error and forget the device.
5

Enter in the code or confirm the codes match.
6

Now go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
7

Scroll to the very bottom and choose "Allow Windows to detect when you're away and automatically lock the device" under "Dynamic lock".
8

Move away from your PC with your phone or smartwatch. Your PC should lock.
9

Unlock using your PIN, Picture Password, face, fingerprint, security key or Microsoft account password.

Add New Question

Question

How would I use my password to log in after setting up Windows Hello?

Andritolion

Community Answer

If face recognition fails and you can't log in using your PIN, dismiss the lock screen and select Sign-in options. Select the Microsoft Account Password option, which is the icon that looks like a cursor hovering over a password field, then enter your password.
Question

What should I do if I lost my PIN?

Andritolion

Community Answer

If you have lost your PIN, but you can still log in using your Microsoft Account password. On the sign-in screen, when prompted for your PIN, select "I forgot my PIN". You will then be prompted to log in with your Microsoft Account password and reset your PIN. If you can log into Windows, open "Settings" and go to "Accounts". Under the sign-in options, look for "Windows Hello PIN". Then select "I forgot my PIN". You will be then guided through resetting your PIN.

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If you wore glasses during setup, select Improve Recognition and scan your face again.
You can add up to 10 fingerprints. To do so, select "Add another" under Windows Hello Fingerprint.
If you want to delete a fingerprint, you have to delete all fingerprints at once by selecting "Remove".

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Don't forget your PIN, or you will not be able to use Windows Hello in the future.

About This Article

Article SummaryX

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Choose Set up under Face or Fingerprint or Security Key.
3. Complete the prompts.

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